Alysia’s Chosen Love

Chapter 10 - Unexpected

Alysia

I went to the diner and opened up. I knew Jason would be coming in around lunch. I turned on the lights and unlocked the office to grab cash for the drawers. I head behind the desk and check the email to see if there are any orders for this morning. I go ahead and print those and write up the ticket for the kitchen. I checked the schedule and saw that I had 2 chefs today, 4 waiters/ waitresses, 2 people behind the bar, and one cashier for the morning. In the afternoon, I would have 3 chefs, 6 waiters/waitresses, 3 people behind the bar, and 2 cashiers. With how busy it is today, I am glad for all the help. Today, I would probably assist with the areas that were the busiest. While I can be behind the bar, I can do everything but mix and sell alcoholic drinks. Claudia was 45 and usually was the "adult" figure for the business when mom wasn't around while I managed everything. I honestly loved working at the diner and hoped to take over as an adult after finishing college. Possibly even upgrade this old place. Claudia would be coming in at around 11 am and then Brittany, who was the evening manager, would be the adult figure for the evening shift when mom wasn't there. The reason I say "adult" is because we could get an undercover inspector or someone can come in requesting to see who is in charge.

Once I grab the cash from the safe for the two registers, I will open up the third register if it becomes busy enough, but we have one register at the counter and one at the bar. I made a mental note to go to the bank at some point today. I lock up the office and head to the counter to place the cash in the registers and mark the amount each register has for the morning shift. I place all the fryers and stoves on to get hot so when the cooks come in they can start right away. I place the tickets in the kitchen and start refilling things at the counter. Once that is done, I flip all the chairs over and place them on the floor and wipe all the tables and counter. I start the morning inventory and by that time Claudia comes in and heads behind the bar to fix up the bottles and do the inventory.

As time passes, I can't help but keep looking at the door every time the bell rings, expecting Jason to walk-in. What is wrong with me? I tried to stay focused on what was going on at the diner. I saw that there were some impatient customers at the counter probably wanting to grab breakfast and go, so I headed over to help out. I pour out coffee for some customers when Kal and Priya walk in, laughing. They walk towards the counter and sit down on the stool. I raise my eyebrows at Priya, who just blushes and ever so slightly shakes her head.

"The world must be coming to an end if you are both getting along", I said as I grabbed two cups and poured them coffee.

"Haha very funny. I was on my way here when I noticed Priya walking this way. So, out of the goodness of heart, I decided to walk with her here." Kal said as he took a sip of his coffee.

"Anyways, Kal was telling me that one of his cousins was coming to stay with them in a few weeks and I was laughing because Kal almost tripped on the steps on the way in, and his friends almost witnessed it." Priya said, giggling at the last part.

"wait, what cousins?" I said as I was placing a customers' food down at the counter.

"not really my cousin. It's a family friend of my mom that she has known for years. We always visit them every year. They are moving to the area and want him to start the school year now instead of halfway through. They have to finish closing up the house and then they will stay a few weeks until the new house is ready", Kal said, stuffing his mouth with a croissant.

"Interesting. I would love to chat more but Claudia looks like she is going to blow up at a customer because of how red her face is" I said.

" You don't mind if I work today? My mom isn't home and I know I'm not on the schedule", Priya said.

"Go ahead, just add your time on the schedule. We could use an extra person because of how busy it is." I said as I walked toward Claudia.

After diffusing that situation, I go around making sure all the guests are good. I was helping clean off dirty tables when I heard the bell ring, indicating the door opened. I don't think anything of it. I finished wiping the tables and chairs and turned around and saw Jason making his way to the counter. I watch him walk and can't help but think of things I shouldn't be. He is wearing some dark blue jeans that show his ass off, SO DAMN good. He is wearing a white tee that definitely showed his flex muscles every time he walks. WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING?

I walk over to the counter when he turns around and smiles. He freaking smiles that amazing smile. I smiled back and put away the cleaning supplies in the closet.

"Hey, how was everything on the farm?" I said as I made my way next to him.

"Hey" he says as he turns around and gives me a freaking hug. A HUG!?!?!?

"It was actually pretty good. I also grabbed some food for you on the way up here. Figured you were tired of diner food. Where do you need me today, boss?" Jason says as he hands me a bag that smells incredible.

" Oh wow thank you. You didn't have to. I was actually going to head to the office to do some paperwork, so perfect timing. You could actually help with taking out food and drinks to the table. Then, helping with food prep", I said as I poured myself some soda

in a cup.

I counted out the extra money from the draw and made my way to the office with my food and drinks. I had to input the morning inventory into the database for my mom.

As the day went on, I excused myself when it got slower and drove to the bank and deposited the money into the account and saved the slip. Things at the diner got super busy, especially since live music was being played today. I quickly texted my mom an update letting her know how much I deposited and that everything was OK. I was on my fourth cup of coffee and working behind the bar refilling the smaller items used for drinks.

Jason

After this morning, when we had our little fight, I knew that no matter what I did i couldn't get her out of my head. After she left the farm, I made up my mind when we got home I was going to ask her on a date. It was against everything but I had to. I think i was falling for her and I was falling fast. I noticed all the small quirky things about her, about her routine, and I knew that this had to be something more.

After working on the farm, I showered and changed. I started walking toward the diner but decided to grab her some food because, knowing her, she wouldn't have eaten and would be too focused on having everything run smoothly.

After arriving at the diner, when she came up to me, something in me went in for a hug and she actually hugged me back. After giving up my duties for the day, I went about my job. Even Brittany made some jokes to me saying I needed to make a move.

I know at one point she left and said she was going to the bank. I decided to head to the back and help in the kitchen. I loved to cook but she didn't know that. I knew she didn't have to be in till tomorrow afternoon, so I was planning on making a big breakfast. I was prepping food when my phone beeped.

* unknown number - Remember to stay on course. Heard you were getting friendly with some people. In the long run, we will reach our goal. See you soon.

I deleted the message and was about to finish prep when I saw Alysia walk back in. What would she do if she ever found out the real reason I am here? Meeting her and falling for her was not supposed to happen.